Words and photos by Frederick D. Almeida, CAPSU Public Information Office
Strengthening its commitment to gender equality and inclusive governance, Capiz State University (CAPSU) kicked off a three-day intensive training-workshop today, April 6, at the Hotel Alunsina, Brgy. Banica, Roxas City.
The activity, organized by the Gender and Development (GAD) Office under Dr. Jesusa L. Luda, focuses on the Harmonized Gender and Development Guidelines (HGDG) and the GAD Focal Point System Functionality Assessment Tool (GFast).
The training-workshop aims to equip university personnel with the necessary technical skills to effectively apply HGDG and GFast in planning, implementing, and evaluating gender-responsive programs and projects.
Participants included department heads from the central administration along with GAD and Planning chairpersons from the nine campuses and satellite colleges of the University.
Dr. Mary Ann B. Martelino, Vice President for Administration and Finance, delivered the welcome remarks on behalf of University President Dr. Efren L. Linan. In her message, Dr. Martelino emphasized that GAD is not just a compliance requirement, but a foundational pillar of the university’s growth.
“When we invest in strengthening our GAD systems, we are strengthening CAPSU itself,” Dr. Martelino stated. “We are strengthening the way we teach, the way we lead, the way we design programs, and the way we care for our people. We are strengthening the kind of university we want to be, one that is competent, credible, and truly inclusive.”
The sessions were facilitated by Mr. Kim Harold T. Peji, Chief GAD Specialist of the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), and Mr. Kris Joven M. Medalla, Special Investigator from the Commission on Human Rights (CHR).
The first day of the workshop focused on aligning expectations and establishing a theoretical foundation. Mr. Peji provided an overview of Gender Mainstreaming and Gender Analysis, explaining how the HGDG system serves as a roadmap for equitable development.
In the afternoon, the theory was put into practice. Participants were grouped to conduct a workshop assessing specific projects using the HGDG checklist.
University key officials were also present in the workshop including Dr. Annalie G. Campos, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Leo Andrew B. Biclar, Vice President for Research, Development and Extension; and Dr. Salvacion J. Legaspi, Vice President for External Affairs and Linkages.
The training-workshop will run until April 8. Tomorrow’s sessions will feature the presentation of group outputs and a deep-dive discussion into the HGDG elements and GFast system functionality assessment tool.